Western Copse

Dense woodland stretches across this quiet corner of Hampshire, just a stone's throw from East Cowes. Western Copse offers proper forest walking without the crowds you'd find at better-known spots - though that means fewer marked paths too.

Families will find it brilliant for letting kids run wild among the oak and beech trees. The undergrowth gets properly thick in summer, making it feel like proper adventure territory. Dog walkers have plenty of space here, and the lack of formal trails means you can wander where you fancy.

Expect to spend a couple of hours here if you're having a good explore. The canopy stays dense enough to provide decent shelter even on drizzly days, which makes it handy when other outdoor plans get rained off.

It works well as a morning stretch-the-legs stop if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks. Waverley Park Holiday Centre sits less than a mile away, while several other parks dot the area within easy driving distance. The woodland connects nicely with walks towards the Solent coast - though you'll want proper walking boots if the ground's been wet. Not the most spectacular forest in Hampshire, but it does the job when you need some proper green space.